<i>Ex Situ</i> Conservation of Quinoa: The Bolivian Experience

Abstract

During the past four decades, germplasm collections maintained ex situ have grown in number and size as a result of the intense worldwide efforts to conserve plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). This chapter discusses the center of origin and diversity of quinoa, together with the beginnings of the Bolivian germplasm collection. The operations and the management process followed for more than 45 years since the first quinoa accessions were collected, and critical times throughout the collection's existence, are also discussed. The chapter provides a summary of the work of the Promotion and Research on Andean Products (PROINPA) Foundation during the period when it was in charge of genebank management and conservation by delegation of the Bolivian State, until the bank achieved recognition at both national and international levels. Seed genebanks are viable options for ex situ conservation of quinoa germplasm.